F1000Research (Mar 2024)
Correlations between components of the immune system [version 3; peer review: 2 approved, 1 not approved]
Abstract
Background No evidence of the possibility of altering a constituent of the immune system without directly affecting one of its associated components has yet been shown. Methods A schematic model was developed in which two triggers, fasting and splenectomy, were studied for their ability to affect the expression of cell membrane epitopes and the cytokine secretion of out-of-body autogeneic and syngeneic lymphocytes. Results The effect of fasting and/or splenectomy on promoting correlations between immune systems was studied by determining the alterations in expressions of cell membrane epitopes and in cytokine secretion by out-of-body autogeneic and syngeneic lymphocytes. The effect of fasting as a trigger decreased expression of CD8 and CD25 and increased TNFα levels. The effect of splenectomy as a trigger was investigated in non-fasting mice by comparing splenectomized and non-splenectomized mice. An increase in the CD8 expression and in TNFα, IFNg, and IL10 secretion was noted. The effect of splenectomy as a trigger in fasting mice was determined by comparing splenectomized and non-splenectomized mice. Splenectomy significantly affected the expression of CD25 and CD4 CD25 and on secretion of TNFα, IFNg, and IL10. To determine the effect of keeping the cells in an out-of-body location on the expression of lymphocyte epitopes, tubes kept on top of the cages of the fasting mice were compared with tubes kept on top of empty cages. The results showed a significant change in the CD8 expression was noted. To determine the effect of keeping cells in an out-of-body location on cytokine secretion, tubes kept on cages were tested for cytokine levels significant decrease was noted in the secretion of TNFα and IFNg. Conclusions The study showed that a mouse could affect cells at a distance and alter the expression of surface markers and cytokine secretion following two types of triggers: fasting and/or splenectomy. The data characterized a system for the induction of correlations between two’s immune system components without a transfer of mediators. It suggests that an out-of-body correlation can be induced between two components of the immune system.
